Stay tuned to TJC for my not-so-expert prediction on the big game later next week.

still lighting it up

According to several reports, Jay Cutler is being allowed to interview, or at least talk with, potential offensive coordinators for the Bears.  The argument is that a franchise quarterback should feel comfortable with the guy calling the plays.  I agree with the logic of the statement, but what needs to be examined is whether Jay Cutler is really a franchise quarterback.

While the term itself is subjective, it would suggest that the quarterback has the talent, and it’s the rest of team that is bringing the success of the franchise down.  Boost up the surrounding talent, and the quarterback will confidently lead the team in prolific winning history, right?

It’s too much to ask each “franchise” quarterback to win a Super Bowl every year when surrounded by a good team because it’s just not possible – the competition may boast similar talent, injuries or bad luck can play a role, etc.  However, leading a playoff-caliber team to the second week of the NFL Playoffs is certainly a simple request of a franchise quarterback and his talented team, so let’s see how Cutler fares against the 8 starting quarterbacks still in the hunt for the Super Bowl this year.  Remember, to be fair, we are not comparing Cutler and the Bears (admittedly less talented than the 8 remaining teams), but rather Cutler on each current playoff team vs. their current quarterback.

Let’s start in the AFC:

Indianapolis: No one in their right mind would take Cutler over Peyton Manning for this squad, and it’s been said to me by some readers that a comparison isn’t even fair (which only points to Cutler’s mediocrity).

Advantage: Peyton Manning

San Diego: The Chargers have plenty of weapons, and while Cutler would possibly succeed with receivers like Jackson, Gates, etc., Philip Rivers has been doing it as well as could be expected.

Advantage: Philip Rivers

Baltimore: Joe Flacco seems to have a knack to succeed when called upon.  On a team with a strong defense and an impressive running game, Flacco has been able to light it up when needed (first half of the season) or reign it in and play conservatively if that’s what the playbook calls for.  Basically, he has managed the games well this season, giving his team the best chance to win.  Even if you believe Cutler has more raw talent than Flacco (read: can throw farther), there’s no denying that Flacco is the better fit for this team which can’t afford numerous mistakes from the QB position.

Advantage: Joe Flacco

New York: A special season by corner Darrelle Revis and a dominating running game of late has given the Jets new life in the second half.  Unlike Flacco, when Mark Sanchez has been asked to do more, the results have often been disastrous.  Cutler would fare better with this crew.

Advantage: Jay Cutler

Now on to the NFC

New Orleans: Drew Brees has been keeping himself in unbelievable shape both mentally and physically, using every weapon available on the field.  Even Manning or Brady couldn’t do more with this talented group.

Advantage: Drew Brees

Minnesota: Brett Favre may be aging, but there’s no one on Earth that would choose Jay Cutler over Brett Favre to lead a playoff caliber team to victory.  Favre tends to get the most out of marginal talent with potential, while Cutler’s biggest weakness is propelling the average teammate into something valuable.

Advantage: Brett Favre

Dallas: The defense has been leading the charge lately, but Tony Romo has dismissed the naysayers but escaping trouble and winning big in December (and now January).  Cutler fans are still waiting for their shining moment.  Until then, no one would take Cutler’s arm over Romo’s whole package.

Advantage: Tony Romo

Arizona: With the Cardinals’ defense being hit or miss lately and a running game dependent on a guy named Beanie, Kurt Warner has been called on to throw up points as quickly as he did in the “Greatest Show on Turf.”  Warner hasn’t disappointed, and his accuracy when it matters most puts him far ahead of Cutler.

Advantage: Kurt Warner

This comparison isn’t totally fair to Jay Cutler because in many cases, these playoff teams have catered to their current QB’s strengths, making Cutler an odd replacement regardless of talent.  However, on a level playing field of any kind (poor team, average team, playoff team, etc.), it’s hard to argue taking Cutler over anyone other than Mark Sanchez (and possibly Flacco for you Cutler lovers out there).

In other words, even if the talent on the Bears ascends to the level of the current playoff teams, Chicago will still be the underdog with Cutler at the helm.  When that occurs under just about any playoff scenario, you can’t really call him a franchise quarterback, can you?